MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Navy’s flagship BRP Gregorio del Pilar (FF-15), which ran aground in the West Philippine Sea in August last year, won’t likely be operational until the end of 2019, Navy chief Vice Adm. Robert Empedrad said.

The ship’s starboard propeller had been massively damaged when it ran aground on Hasa-Hasa Shoal (Half Moon Shoal) while on a patrol mission on Aug. 29. It was pulled out from the shoal after six days at sea.

Empedrad said the propeller that needs to be replaced would be coming from the US and this may take some time.

“Kailangan kasi makuha pa yung propellers galing pa sa US. Magiging available siya (FF-15) end of the year pa,” Empedrad told reporters on Tuesday when asked when the Navy flagship would be back in service.